TRADE: Tyrus Thomas to Bobcats

TNT analyst David Aldridge: "The Charlotte Bobcats bolstered their front line significantly just before Thursday's 3 p.m. deadline by acquiring forward Tyrus Thomas from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for guards Flip Murray and Acie Law and a first-round draft pick. The Bobcats beat out both Denver and San Antonio, who had both had significant interest in Thomas. A source says the Nuggets were trying to use guard Renaldo Balkman as part of a package that would ultimately land Thomas, but were unsuccessful.

The Bulls and Bobcats had talked a few weeks ago, but the discussions petered out. But Charlotte, making a playoff push in the east and trying to make the postseason for the first time in franchise history, started the talks back up this week and got the deal done.

Thomas can play either power forward or center for Charlotte. If he plays more power forward, that would allow All-Star Gerald Wallace to move down to his natural small forward position. Either way, Thomas will improve the Bobcats' defense. Charlotte is third in the league in fewest points allowed, but only 12th in rebound differential. Law and Murray are both on expiring deals that will not impact Chicago's ability to go after a max-level free agent this summer.

Well the Bulls sure are rebuilding in a day it looks like.  Looks like their dumping cap for next year as well.

Bulls Send John Salmons to Bucks for Hakim Warrick and Joe Alexander

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- The Milwaukee Bucks have agreed in principle to a trade that would send forwards Hakim Warrick and Joe Alexander to the Chicago Bulls for guard John Salmons, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press.

The person spoke Thursday and requested anonymity because the deal is not yet complete.
Salmons has played in 51 games for Chicago this season, averaging 12.7 points per game. He is scheduled to make $5.8 million next season if he doesn't opt out of his contract.

The contracts of Warrick and Alexander both expire at the end of the season, potentially freeing up space for the Bulls to bid for marquee free agents in the offseason.

Multiple media outlets reported the possibility of a deal for Salmons on Wednesday night.
Warrick has played in 48 games for Milwaukee this season, averaging 10.2 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. Alexander, whom the Bucks took with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2008 draft, has struggled to make the jump to the NBA and currently is playing for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA Development League.

Salmons missed the Bulls' game at New York on Wednesday night and remained at the team hotel -- an indication that a deal was imminent before Thursday afternoon's NBA trade deadline.

"I'm not at liberty to say," Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said before the game. "I just got a call he's not going to play. He's going to be at the hotel and then I'll find out more after the game just like everybody else."
Warrick said Wednesday night that he was aware of the possibility of a trade to Chicago but wasn't dwelling on it.

"If you worry about that, you definitely won't be able to concentrate on your performance," Warrick said.


IMMEDIATE WINNER:  Milwaukee Bucks-Just last year while Salmons was playing in Sacramento he was one of the Kings best players.  Expect him to step up his game as the Bucks make their playoff run to get the eighth seed

LONG TERM WINNER:  Chicago Bulls-With Salmons getting paid 5.8 million next year this is a great move for the Bulls to dump Salmons contract.  With almost every superstar hitting the market next year the Bulls will be able to go out and buy someone a lot better then Salmons